Ascent of Highland Peak on 2012-07-20

Ascent Trip Report

For a more descriptive narrative see Silver Peak.

From Ebbets pass TH caught the PCT SE after 0.2 miles and hiked another 4 miles to where the climb begins at Noble Lake. Leave the PCT headed east to the right side of the notch between Highland and a prominent volcanic ridge. Keep to the right along the base of the rock until gaining Highland's SW ridge, there are many faint use trails. Once on the SW ridge follow it up to reddish volcanic rock of the false summit. Here, most appear to contour to the right around the rock at it's base until gaining a broad sandy slope. Frankly, I think it would be easier to just go straight over the top of the false summit, having tried circling around it. From the back (north) side of the false summit continue downward along a rocky ridge, keeping mostly to the north side around obstacles. Once past the rock outcrops the remainder of the route is sand and small rocks through the col and up to the summit, where there is a summit register, survey monument and couple small holes to get out of the wind. The earliest register entry was Pete Yamagata in 1982 on a torn and worn scrap of note book paper. Return by same route (not advised), continue to Silver Pk, or return via descent from pass between Highland and Silver to Noble Lake trail in Noble Canyon. Take the trail due south back up the canyon to the junction with the PCT at about 2.8 miles from the TH parking lot.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flickbergers/sets/72157630723752718/

Summary Total Data

Elevation Gain:

2673 ft / 814 m

Elevation Loss:

1305 ft / 397 m

Distance:

7.3 mi / 11.7 km

Grade/Class:

Class 2+

Quality:

6 (on a subjective 1-10 scale)

Route Conditions:

Maintained Trail, Unmaintained Trail, Open Country, Scramble

Nights Spent:

0 nights away from roads

Weather:

Pleasant, Breezy, ClearClear and breezy near summit, gusting to 25+

Ascent Statistics

Elevation Gain:

2673 ft / 814 m

Extra Loss:

400 ft / 121 m

Distance:

6.4 mi / 10.4 km

Route:

PCT to SW shoulder

Trailhead:

Ebbets Pass TH 8663 ft / 2640 m

Time Up:

4 Hours 23 Minutes

Descent Statistics

Elevation Loss:

905 ft / 276 m

Distance:

0.8 mi / 1.4 km

Route:

NW trending ridge from summit to Silver Pk

Trailhead:

Saddle with Silver Pk 10031 ft / 3057 m

Time Down:

36 Minutes

Ascent Part of Trip: Highland & Silver (0 nights total away from roads)